Merengue Bakery & Cafe

## Introduction / Overview

For California locals seeking an exceptional culinary experience that bridges the gap between a cozy cafe, a high-quality bakery, and an authentic Cuban and Latin American restaurant, Merengue Bakery & Cafe in Monrovia is a must-visit destination. More than just a simple sweet shop, Merengue Bakery & Cafe has established itself as a vibrant hub where the warmth of Latin culture meets the artistry of baking. This unique establishment offers a full-service experience, from invigorating breakfast options and specialty coffee to savory lunch fare and stunning, custom-made signature cakes.

Located conveniently in the heart of Monrovia, this local gem appeals to a diverse crowd—whether you're an East Los Angeles resident looking for authentic Cuban sandwiches and pastries, a local family needing a spectacular birthday cake, or a foodie eager to explore the rich and complex flavors of Latin cuisine. Their expansive menu, which features everything from traditional "Pastel De Carne" (Meat Pies) and "Cortadito" to signature dishes like "The Tony Montana," ensures there's something to satisfy every craving. It's a place where the air is filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods, promising an authentic and delicious escape right here in the Golden State.

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## Location and Accessibility

Merengue Bakery & Cafe is ideally situated at 417 S Myrtle Ave in Monrovia, CA 91016, USA. This prime location places it right on a key thoroughfare, making it an easy drive or quick stop for residents across the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. For those in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, Monrovia provides a relaxed suburban setting for a culinary outing.

The cafe prioritizes a comfortable and welcoming experience for all California patrons, with excellent accessibility features. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and wheelchair accessible seating within the cafe, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their time without issue. Parking is also stress-free, with options for a free parking lot and convenient free street parking available, which is a major plus in a busy Southern California environment. Whether you're planning a leisurely dine-in experience, a quick visit, or just running in for a takeout order, the location and amenities are designed for convenience.

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## Services Offered

Merengue Bakery & Cafe provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the varied needs of its California clientele:

• Full-Service Bakery & Cake Shop: Specializing in elaborate and delicious signature cakes for all occasions, including favorites like 8" Red Velvet, Tiramisu, Mango, and various Cheesecakes (NY, Pumpkin, Kahlua, Strawberry), plus individual slices.
• Cafe & Coffee Bar: Serving up a wide array of premium coffee & espresso drinks, including Drip Coffee, Espresso, Cold Brew, Hazelnut Latte, Cortadito, Café Con Leche, and various other Lattes.
• Dine-in and Breakfast Service: A dedicated and popular option for enjoying a meal on-site, with a full Breakfast menu featuring items like Cuban Omelet, Tortilla Espanola, and the Hearty Breakfast Plate.
• Takeout & Pickup Options: Convenient services for busy Californians, offering In-store pickup and standard Takeout for all food and bakery items.
• Delivery Service: Providing the convenience of having your favorite Cuban dishes and fresh baked goods brought right to your home or office.
• Onsite Services: The cafe can cater to various needs on-site, from a quick meal to a more relaxed gathering.
• Latin American & Cuban Restaurant: Serving savory dishes from the Cuban Sandwiches section (like the classic Cuban Sandwich, Pan Con Lechon, and Media Noche), Merengue Finger Foods (Tamale Cubano, Pastel De Carne), and main courses.

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## Features / Highlights

What makes Merengue Bakery & Cafe a standout choice for those in the Southern California area? It’s the perfect blend of unique offerings and practical amenities:

• Authentic Cuban and Latin American Cuisine: The cafe goes beyond typical bakery fare by offering truly authentic and highly-rated Cuban specialties. From the popular Cuban Cake (described by customers as having multiple layers of flavors like guava, rum, lemon, and cream) to the savory Pastel De Carne (Meat Pies), this is a genuine taste of the Caribbean right in Monrovia.
• Extensive Dessert & Baked Goods Display: Customers consistently praise the amazing display case featuring a vast selection of sweets. Highlights include a variety of Macarons, Croissants (Plain, Chocolate, Almond), Strudels, Danishes, and unique Latin pastries like Alfajores and Guava Pastry.
• Specialty Beverage Selection: Beyond the standard cafe offerings, they provide unique and popular Latin beverages such as Malta, Inca Kola, Materva, and Jupina, alongside a selection of Beer & Wine like Cuban Mimosas, Sangria, and local brews.
• Modern Convenience: The cafe accepts a full range of payment options, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, and provides Wi-Fi access and clean Restrooms for a comfortable visit.
• Family-Friendly Options: A dedicated Kids Menu includes favorites such as Grilled Cheese, Chicken Tenders, and Quesadillas, making it an excellent spot for families.

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## Contact Information

For California residents looking to place an order, make an inquiry, or simply confirm the hours of operation, you can reach Merengue Bakery & Cafe using the details below:

Address:
417 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA

Phone:
(626) 358-5650

Mobile Phone (Direct Line):
+1 626-358-5650

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## What is Worth Choosing

For a local California resident, choosing Merengue Bakery & Cafe means opting for a truly distinctive dining and dessert experience that is hard to find elsewhere. What makes it worth the trip to Monrovia?

It's the remarkable fusion of offerings. Instead of visiting separate venues for a specialty latte, an authentic Latin lunch, and a custom celebratory cake, Merengue offers all three under one roof. The quality of the Latin American food is a major draw; customer reviews highlight the Pastel De Carne and the powerful single-shot Cortadito as truly exceptional. For those who appreciate rich and complex flavors, the Cuban Cake Slice with its rumored mix of guava, rum, and lemon is a must-try dessert that showcases their baking expertise.

While some items are noted for their high level of sweetness—a common characteristic in many traditional Latin desserts—this caters perfectly to those with a serious sweet tooth. The bakery has such a wide range that even those who prefer less intense sweetness can find their perfect item, such as the praised Chocolate Croissant. The extensive menu, which includes hearty breakfast plates, substantial Cafe Sandwiches (like the Chicken Chimichurri and Turkey Avocado Croissant), and a full line of cakes and individual desserts, ensures that Merengue Bakery & Cafe can be your go-to spot for everything from a quick morning coffee run to a full celebratory cake order.

Choosing Merengue Bakery & Cafe is choosing a location that provides both authentic flavor and local convenience, making it a celebrated and essential part of the Monrovia, CA culinary landscape.